Parade's End gives BBC2 biggest drama ratings hit in seven years

Parade’s End has taken BBC2’s drama ratings to a seven-year high after the
critically acclaimed period piece made its debut on Friday.

The drama, dubbed ‘the thinking person’s Downton Abbey’ has been adapted from a quartet of novels by Ford Madox Ford, widely acknowledged be one of the literary masterworks of the 20th centuryPhoto: BBC/Nick Briggs

The Telegraph’s reviewer James Walton described it as a programme that ‘demanded and rewarded our full attention’ and awarded it four and a half stars. It was met with an equally rapturous reception across the board in other national newspapers.

Concert pianist James Rhodes wrote on Twitter: “Parade's End the perfect counterpoint to a heavy day. Hall, Stoppard & Cumberbatch - what a combination! TV that makes one feel smart...“

The drama, dubbed ‘the thinking person’s Downton Abbey’ has been adapted from a quartet of novels by Ford Madox Ford, widely acknowledged be one of the literary masterworks of the 20th century.

It is directed by multi Emmy-nominated and Bafta-winning film maker Susanna White.

Damien Timmer, executive producer of Parade’s End, said: “It clearly needed exceptional talent to bring these modernist masterpieces to the screen, and working with Tom Stoppard on his adaptation has been such a privilege.

“His dedication to the project has been inspiring for all of us. There was a real chemistry between his scripts, Susanna White’s brilliant direction and the ensemble cast led by Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall.”